England became one shelter For tens of thousands of Hong Kong citizens since the enactment of the National Security Law on Chinese soil June 2020. a law that limits fundamental rights such as freedom of assembly and on the pretext of the claim of freedom of the press “terrorist activitiesor “the overthrow of state power” and many pro-democracy and freedom of expression activists leave the country To avoid the threats and persecution of the Chinese government. The latest evidence of this persecution has emerged with the proposal made this week. awards by the Hong Kong Government in exchange for the arrest of fleeing activists and the arrest of four teenagers accused of supporting exiled friends in the former colony.
The British Government has issued more than 166,000 special visas since January 2021, when it launched a new program that allows it almost. three million citizens The former colony under the British Overseas Nationals (BNO) regime. The number of visas issued has continued to increase since then, and 300,000 10% of all eligible persons by 2026, according to UK Home Office estimates.
security threatened
Co-founder and head of Public Relations of ‘Hongkongers in Britain’, Julian Chanpoints out that the safety of Hong Kong citizens in the UK is one of the main concerns of his organization and warns that there are already physical attacks. “People who support the Beijing government, including students from mainland China, attacked peaceful protesters. One of the most recent cases took place in Southampton, where provocations by Chinese citizens resulted. fightHe explains to EL PERIÓDICO of the Prensa Ibérica group.
Chan argues that some of these events are also encouraged by members of the organization. diplomatic unit in the country. The Chinese government has ordered six diplomats from China to return to Beijing. Consulate in Manchester When British police wanted to question them for their alleged involvement in an attack on a protester. Hong Kong organizations are also avoiding renewing documents in the Chinese embassy out of fear retaliation. “Many are worried about their safety, so they choose to stay stuck in England. british citizenship five years later,” Chan accuses.
Psychological harm
The feeling of insecurity had a psychological effect on many of the newcomers. According to a survey by “Hong Kongers in Britain”, almost one in four Hong Kongers UK residents report having the following symptoms: post traumatic stress It’s about the mass protests in 2019 and the implementation of the National Security Act. A problem that is exacerbated by people who are not eligible for the visa program and enter the country without a visa refugeesand therefore they do not have the economic and health support provided by the British Government.
Added to this was the concern for welfare. family and friends remaining in Hong Kong and not only to dissidents, but also to possible resist cooperation with the Beijing government. “Forms of passive resistance are also being watched,” Chan warned, adding that many families are leaving the prefecture for their children. education without influence and Chinese propaganda.
Travell Whit out return
facilities London Government The arrival of Hong Kong citizens cost him a new chapter. tension with BeijingBritish officials this week blamed protect “runaways”. The Chinese embassy in London said dissidents would “hunt for life” and demanded that Britain not intervene in what it saw as an attack on the country’s sovereignty. “This is a rough attempt “The rule of law in Hong Kong and in China’s internal affairs,” the embassy said in a statement.
In response to the protection offered by the United Kingdom, Beijing announced that it would not recognize documents given to exiled Hong Kongers; point. According to a survey by the British Government, a 96% program beneficiaries plans to stay in the UK beyond the expiry of your visa and even do this indefinitely.
However, this will have positive consequences for the British economy. “Those who have come so far, very high education levels and will contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth,” says Chan. Shortly after the approval of the visa program for Hong Kong citizens, the Ministry of Home Affairs 3,000 million euros Benefit to public finances through the arrival of qualified personnel. Something that adds to the benefits of cultural exchange. “There is very strong desire for integration“To mingle with the community and also share Hong Kong culture,” says Chan.